The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-2 tornado touched down in the Village of Lisbon, just north of Sussex, around 6:22 p.m. Tuesday night.
The tornado reached speeds up to 120 mph. An EF-2 tornado can reach speeds anywhere between 111 and 135 mph.
The tornado traveled around 3.2 miles and lasted approximately six minutes.
Wednesday morning, utility crews were out near the Lisbon Presbyterian Church near Sussex, trying to assess the damage done by a radar-confirmed tornado reported last night.
WATCH: Crews begin cleanup after radar-confirmed tornado in Sussex
TMJ4's Andrea Albers took photos and video of everything from massive trees torn out of the ground to siding ripped off homes to power poles snapped in half.
Waukesha County Emergency Management officials confirm the tornado caused damage to commercial facilities, residences, and other structures.
They say they are surveying the damage today alongside crews from the National Weather Service, with support from the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department.
County officials say they have also been in contact with first responders and the American Red Cross, and they are working to confirm the severity and scope of the damage.
Alex Freeman, the Waukesha County Emergency Management Coordinator, issued this statement about the severe weather:
“At this time, our focus is on supporting recovery operations, coordinating with damage assessment, and working alongside our local, state, and nonprofit partners. We are grateful for the work of our dispatchers, law enforcement, fire and EMS, public works, utilities crews, and restoration teams who have been responding since the storms began.”
Waukesha County officials say there are currently many crews working in the impacted areas to secure hazards, support emergency response, and begin restoration and recovery efforts.
Officials are urging residents to use caution and avoid damaged areas whenever possible.
They also issued the following public safety reminders:
- Stay away from downed power lines and assume all lines are energized.
- Use caution around storm debris, damaged buildings, and utility infrastructure.
- Do not drive through flooded roadways.
- Remain weather aware today, as additional severe storms are possible this evening.
- Have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts, including weather radios, mobile alerts, and trusted local information sources.
- Take immediate protective action when warnings or emergency alerts are issued.
Waukesha County Emergency Management officials say additional information will be shared as damage assessments continue and more details are confirmed.
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